our jay levine is on capitol hill where he spoke with the senator. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, norah. hi, anthony. very little happening on capitol hill as you know can be considered inspirational as you know. the last few weeks have been spard by in-fighting and that's what makes the story of senator mark kirk uplifting. >> reporter: he's used to a grueling schedule and challenging workload. >> mr. president i'd like to take this time to talk on the pending legislation. >> reporter: but just a year ago kirk faced his most grueling one yet. he checked himself into the hospital after feeling dizzy. he suffer add stroke. >> it will affect his ability to use his left arm, possibly left leg. with this left side of his body largely immobile recovery will be difficult. he spent eight hour as day in unrelenting therapy learned how to walk and talk. within months the senator had made remarkable progress even posting updates to his constituents on the website. >> i'm walking again leading to the hope that i can walk the 45 steps from the steps th